Pond Fish

Pond fish is not only stunning addition to the pond, but also serve as “natural filters” that contributes to the overall health of the pond. Koi and goldfish are very popular pond fish, as their colors are incredibly visible underwater. There are countless types of pond fish, and the choice will mainly depend on personal preference. However, one factor must be considered when choosing pond fish – know how big the pond is and the number of fish it can “safely” hold. Keep in mind that bigger fish needs more room, and squeezing in a bunch of big fish in a little pond will likely result to the fish’s death.

One can choose from simple types of pond fish, or the more exotic ones. Bear in mind that some exotic fish require “special” care, plus they do not always go in harmony with other types of fish. Thus, learning more about the type of fish you plan on buying is always important.

First time ponders often choose goldfish, as they’re the safest choice because they survive through practically anything. Nevertheless, there are lots of pond fish that also go well with the pond, and actually provide more pond benefits compared to goldfish. Some of these include bitterlings, mosquito fish, sarasa comets, and shubunkins.

Bitterlings

This type of garden pond fish is great for ponds as they feed on insect larvae such as mosquitoes, as well as upon parasites, like those that affect the Koi fish. Bitterlings feature gold and silver bodies that have pink or blue tails, which gets the color when they mature.

This pond fish need ponds that have at least thirty gallons of water, and love hiding behind the rocks. When they incubate, they’ll do it in freshwater clam. You’ll also need several of them so they pair off, and its best feeding new born bitterlings with brine shrimp till they’re able to eat other types of food.

Mosquito Fish

As its name imply, this type of pond fish feed on mosquito eggs, thus significantly reducing mosquito population in the pond and garden. Mosquito fish comes from Central and North America and will endure mild winters in properly aerated ponds. They have pale silver color, slender and long body, and love hiding behind many plants. They belong to the same fish category as the “guppy”.

Sarasa Comets

This is actually a type of goldfish that adapts well to living in ponds. They’re very resilient, and have a bright red color with patches of white. The fish is very similar to Shubunkin that grows in proportion to the surrounding they’re placed in. They like to feed on plant roots. With a pond that has proper aeration, the sarasa comet can survive year round.

Shubunkins

This type of fish is a “single-tail” goldfish that’s mottled or speckled with orange, black, and white colors. They’re excellent pond fish, and grow well in ponds that have one hundred eighty gallons or more water volume. They also grow in accordance to the pond’s size. They like eating plant roots, so your plants will need a little protection by placing big rocks around them.

Koi

These types of pond fish are perhaps the most spectacular. They’re beautiful and big, and can be tamed, so that they feed out of the person’s hand. On the other hand, they’re not suitable for small ponds, as they need at least two hundred gallons of water per fish. The pond must also have sufficient filtration. If the appropriate environment is provided, this fish can live up to forty years or more.

Choosing and buying pond fish that’s suitable for the pond can be a very enjoyable experience. Make your pond unique and add living beauty to it with pond fish.